Note: This is a first in a short series previewing the football seasons of CSU, CU and whomever else I may choose. I start with CSU and will follow up with CU.
Colorado State Football looks to the 2015 season looking to build the momentum the program has gained in coming off two successful seasons ending in bowl games. Since the majority of their fan base only care about one game, they can probably skip to where I mention what happens against in-state rival, Colorado Buffaloes, but for those that care to hear more check it all out.
The Colorado State Rams lost well, every important aspect you can think of. They lost a star coach they begged and pleaded to stay and expected to stay at CSU because of his massive buyout. A ridiculous buyout amount couldn't keep Jim McElwain in Fort Collins with Power 5 conference and SEC and national prominence going to the University of Florida Gators. Honestly, his departure gave CSU the best recognition the program has had since national news was made when their fans decided to litter CU's football team with beer bottles and empty kegs clear back in 1999. Otherwise, CSU has remained a blip on the radar and 90% of their fans and alumni are like zombies and only come out for that one special occasion, when they beat big brother. But again more on big brother, CU, later and back to what the rams lost. The Rams fans seem to believe a national championship assistant that had eyes on him from other Power 5 programs before he settled for CSU can be replaced with a guy that has never left the University of Georgia and was Mark Richt's whipping boy and yes man in Mike Bobo. Only time will tell, but Bobo is NoNo McElwain.
Offense
The Rams also lost starting Quarterback Garrett Grayson and his southern style hair and Kyle Orton like game management will be missed with the growing pains brought on by starting a new quarterback with no college football experience. To add to the pain, the Rams must replace a talented RB once again with Dee Hart departing most likely because he never attended a class at CSU. The Rams also must replace NFL 2nd Rounder and over rated Left Tackle Ty Sambrailo. They also lose Left Guard Mason Myers so a complete re-haul of the left side of the offensive line must be made. The Rams return a solid group otherwise and McElwain always had the under talented group perform well by out scheming opposition. Bobo has big shoes to fill.
At Wide Receiver the Rams do have Rashard "Hollywood" Higgins. Higgins was phenomenal last year but was shut down by big brother last year, just as he will be this year. He is on every possible watch list for his position and for many other pre-season offensive awards. He has speed to burn, but will he be able to be as efficient with a new pup Nick Stevens. The Rams losses of Charles Lovett stings a little, but is eased by returning 8th year senior Joe Hansley and a group of talented youngsters.
The Rams will most likely rely on filling their running back with a one-year wonder again with Purdue transfer, Dalyn Dawkins outshining seniors Treyous Jarrells and Jasen Oden. Tight End should have plenty of familiar faces with Kivon Cartwright leading the way in his return after injury.
Overall, this team has an All American caliber Wide Receiver and should be solid since Richt, I mean Bobo is known for his quality offensive mind.
Defense
The Rams move from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 scheme. The Rams should be solid up front with a group that has seen plenty of playing time. They all do an excellent job of keeping the opposition off the linebackers and Joe Kawulok is a force at the point of attack.
Where the weakness may come is at Linebacker with the key graduation departures of the leading tacklers in Max Morgan and Aaron Davis. Senior Cory James is a very talented weakside linebacker but goes from being a pass rushing stud to now having to do it all as a linebacker in the 4-3 scheme. Of course Bobo calls this their defenses strength.
The Rams secondary is similar to the DL returning four players that started at least eight games. I would say this secondary is easily their most important group when it comes to when they play big brother.
The defense is a very solid group and should have success in the Mostly Women's Conference, damn, Mountain West Conference. Their main tests come in Weeks 2 and 3 after squaring off against FCS Savannah State which the Buffs have seen can be scary for a new coach trying to find his way in new water while establishing his brand of football.
Special Teams
Hayden Hunt is a very good punter and should allow the Rams to play good field position battles in tight contests. However the Rams lost the solid services of Jared Roberts to graduation and must start afresh. The returning group is in good hands with Hansley still causing nightmares with his punt return for TDs 6 years ago. How he still has eligibility after playing in 4 Rocky Mountain Showdowns baffles me.
Season Breakdown
SAVANNAH STATE (W)-A home opener against a State city school should be an automatic win.
MINNESOTA (L)-This is a 90% loss. Minnesota is trending up and appears to be in the right mindset to potentially cause some ruckus in the Big 1G. Licking wounds headed into the biggest game of every CSU fans season.
Colorado at SAFAMH (L)-CU is not losing two years in a row against a rookie coach and rookie starter. The Buffs are pissed and hungry and the only thing in their way of starting Pac 12 play after a final tune-up against Nichols State is the rival little brother. Big brother is tired of hearing about it and the Buffs stick a fork in them and deflate Cam's balls as much as the Pats do.
at UTSA (W)-CSU ends non conference play out of state and gets a much needed win heading into conference play.
at Utah State (L)-Utah State loses their head coach and has a very solid 2014 season. The Rams can't win on the road after getting a hard fought win at home last year.
BOISE STATE (L)-Boise State is a well oiled machine that fits better in the Big XII since they bring name recognition and a decade of success. Not just a couple of years. Big loss and with only 15k watching and they think a new stadium will help?!
AFA (Toss-Up)-AFA is tough and doesn't screw with CSU. They will push them every chance they get. No idea here.
SDSU (Toss-Up)-San Diego State and CSU didn't square off in 2014 but it would have been a good game. SDSU is awful on the road though. Slight lean to CSU.
at Wyoming (Toss-Up)-The Pokes at home against their bitter rival with a coach that needs a signature win. This is a sticky situation
UNLV (W)-UNLV sucks
at New Mexico (W)-The Lobos bark is always worse than their bite.
at Fresno State (L)-You don't go to the valley and come back the same team. Ask the 2012 Buffs about that. This is not the way to end the season if the Rams are fighting for Win 6.
Record: 4-5-3 with my prediction at 5-7. Rams win one of the toss-ups (SDSU) but can't beat AFA or get the road win to end the season. The Rams are sitting at home while big brother wins the last week at Utah to make 7-6 and make the holiday season ba-hum-bug for the CSU faithful of 9,999 at CSUs home finale against UNLV. The rest are just waiting until 2016s RMS and hoping they can find magic but it does not look good for the fickle fans that are the CSU Rams!
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